The Royal British Legion

SOMERSET COUNTY & BRISTOL

NewsletterSeptember 2013

In this EditionN.Mendip Best Kept

War Memorials***

Pawlett PoppyCollectors Awards

***Ilminster AFD

Concert***

Frome PoppyAppeal Handover

***St Silas Champion

Skittlers***

Ilminster's JubileeOak Tree

***Dundry Women LayUp Their Standard

***Congresbury Legion

Promotion Event

There are 6 Newsletter issues every year:January : March : May : July : September : November

The deadline for articles for the November issue is 21st October - see back page for details

September 2013

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NORTH MENDIP GROUP R.B.L.ANNUAL “BEST KEPT WAR MEMORIAL” COMPETITION 2013The Annual “Best Kept War Memorial” competition of the North Mendip GroupRBL was held as usual in the middle of June. The invitation to take on the duty ofGuest Judge this year had been very kindly accepted by the County CommunityFundraiser, Sue Potepa, and she was welcomed into the Group area in the earlyhours of 19th June, which turned out to be the first really sunny day of Summer!

Entries for Sue to judge had reached an all time record for the Group with 16memorials spread over 10 of the Group’s Branches; Backwell; Banwell;Bishopsworth; Congresbury; Dundry; Hutton; Nailsea; Portishead; Winscombeand Yatton. Entries were divided into four categories; two each, indoor andoutdoor, for memorials associated with either places of worship or with civic,social or commercial connections. A trophy is to be awarded to thewinner in eachof the four categories and other competitors will receive appropriate prize cards.

All categories were marked by the Judge out of 30, with points being awarded forpresentation, floral arrangements and thegeneral appearanceof the surroundings.

The top three memorials in the Group adjudged to be the ‘best kept’ were: -The Category C memorial in Yatton, with 28 points; closely followed by the equalsecond placed Category C memorial in Backwell and the Category A memorialin Winscombe, both with 27 points.

Trophies and prize cards will be presented by Sue Potepa at the North MendipGroup AGM in the presence of the County Chairman, Roger Duddridge and MrsDuddridge, on Thursday 12th September at the Long Ashton RBL Clubcommencing at 19:30 hrs.

A full report on all the results of the competition isavailable from Group Secretary, Maureen Milner,

23 Beechwood Road, Nailsea, BS48 2AF.Requests for print-outs should please beaccompanied by an SAE.

David L MilnerChairman, North Mendip Group

The end of a long day – time to balance thebooks! Thank you, Sue!

September 2013

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Category A:Church of St James the Great,

Winscombe

Category B:Newton Chapel, Church of St Mary the

Virgin, YattonEntered by Women’s Section, Yatton

Category C:Yatton, top of village, corner of Rock

Road. Entered by Women’s Section, Yatton

Category D:Dundry RBL Club

Entered by the Club

Especially commended by Judge Sue wasthe work currently being undertaken inthe car park of the Bishopsworth RBL Clubto construct a new memorial. Thismemorial received 3rd prize in CategoryC, with a special commendation forongoing work! We look forward to seeingit next year

September 2013

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PAWLETT POPPY COLLECTORS' LONG SERVICE AWARDSOn the 28th June 2013, Pawlett Branch organised a Cheese & Wine Evening fortheir Poppy Collectors. As well as an opportunity to present long-service awards,this was a chance to say “thank you” to the people who go out in all weathers todo the door-to-door collections each year and for those collectors to meet eachother and the Committee.The Pawlett Branch covers Pawlett, Stretcholt, Puriton, Woolavington and EastHuntspill, and the evening attracted a good turn-out of over 40 collectors.During the evening, long-service certificates and badges were given out by theBranch Chairman, Dennis Herniman, to the following collectors:-

Beryl Cook of Pawlett and David Ridgway of Pawlett, both 5 yearsGil Elks of Puriton and Mo Retford of Woolavington, both 10 yearsElsie Hunt of Woolavington, 15 years; Charmaine Evans of Puriton, 20 yearsAnna Brakes of Woolavington, 25 years; Jenny Salway of East Huntspill, 30 years.

In addition, MrsNorah Wall wouldhave been eligiblefor an amazing 50year certificate butsadly passed awayvery shortly beforethe event.However the Committee thought this such an achievement that they still madethe award and Norah’s daughter Sarah was good enough to attend and receivethe certificate on her mother’s behalf.In conclusion Mr Herniman said that Pawlett Branch Committee would like tothank again all of the collectors in our area, and looks forward to meeting themagain in future years.

September 2013

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ARMED FORCES DAY BAND CONCERT AT ILMINSTEROn a fine summer evening in June, with the Armed Forces Day flag flutteringfrom the Minster’s church tower, Armed Forces Day in Ilminster was celebratedwith an audience of over 100 people gathering in the Minster to listen to the HMSHeron Volunteer Band. Ilminster Branch Chairman, John Goodall welcomed theaudience that included the Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr. Emma Taylor and RBLSomerset President Brig. David Godsal.

In keeping with militarytradition the Band, underthe direction of Band C.Sgt.Samuel Hairsine, played avaried and interestingprogramme including suchfavourites as ‘A Bridge TooFar’ and ‘The Dambusters’and led the audience in asing-a-long of ‘Songs ThatWon The War’.

The beautiful surroundingsof the Minster provided anapt setting for somereflection as the audience,comprising many veterans as well as members of the public, stood for the NavalHymn and Sunset followed by a hearty rendition of Rule Britannia.

During the interval the guests gathered outside in the churchyard and were servedwine and soft drinks while cadets from 2381 (Ilminster) Squadron, ATC offered arange of hot and cold canapés.

The Somerset President, Brig. David Godsal, thanked everyone for supportingArmed Forces Day and stressed the importance of the Battle Back Centre Appeal.

The Branch Chairman said that he was delighted that the Branch had been ableto secure the services of such a professional military band so that Ilminster couldshow its appreciation of the Armed Forces in style.

The concert raised £1,398.28 that will be topped up to £1,400 and sent to LegionHeadquarters to go into the Lilleshall Battle Back Centre account.

John GoodallChairman, RBL Ilminster

September 2013

6

FROME BRANCH POPPY APPEAL HANDOVERThursday, 6th June marked an auspicious moment for the Legion in Frome. Notonly was it 69 years to the day that the Normandy D-Day Landings began, withFrome having some veterans in its ranks, but it also marked the official handoverof the Poppy Appeal from long standingorganizer, Jane Wood to Maggy Daniell.

A social to mark the handover wasorganised by the Branch at Frome CricketClub, and some 50 people attendedincludingRBLmembers, theChairmanofthe Royal Naval Association,representatives of the ATC and ACF and,of note, two veterans of the D-DayLandings, Charlie Boswell, who wentashore on the first morning, and Denis

The recently elected Mayor, DickenMoore, circulated amongst the fourgenerations present, before Sue Potepa,Somerset and Bristol Community PoppyFundraiser, marked the handover withsome heart-felt words of gratitude for thesubstantial funds that Jane Wood hadoverseen in raising in her six years asFrome and District Poppy AppealOrganiser. Jane, in turn, paid tribute tothe loyal team of collectors, who, she felt

sure, would support Maggy Daniell just as well, as she takes on the mantle asorganiser.

Chairman of Frome Branch, Jane Norris, acknowledged that Frome had a longtradition of support for the Legion, and Remembrance in particular, through thePoppy Appeal, but that this Remembrance marked just one of the Four Pillars onthe Pathway for Growth, that the Royal British Legion followed.

Comradeship marked an important pillar, and she was delighted that the RBL hadaffiliated with the cricket club, and would be able to welcome members andfriends to the club for kindred friendship.

Jane Norris, Chairman, Frome Branch

September 2013

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www.moneyforce.org.uk

@money_force

MoneyForce is a new programme designed to

the Armed Forces.

The focal point of the programme is the MoneyForce website that has been created and

Funding for the project has been provided by the

service personnel.

MoneyForce website and associated training programme encourages service personnel to get

The site includes:

including a and

Money Fitness Tips for a healthier wallet and brighter future

Quizzes for users to test their knowledge on a range of money topics

Forces community.

Topics covered on the site include planning your

Members of the Armed Forces and their families

whether they’ve just joined up or are planning a

September 2013

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September 2013

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September 2013

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22 W W W. M O N E Y F O R C E .O R G .U K

What MoneyForce o! ersMoneyForce is designed around a few personas and the issues they might face. The bubbles

below represent areas of the site. Follow the lines to see what help and advice is available

During ServiceLearn about extra pay and allowances on top

of your basic pay.

Debt troubleThe longer you leave it, the worse it will get. MoneyForce can help

you to sort it out.

Problems with things you’ve

boughtYour rights as a

consumer and what you should keep in mind when making

purchases.

Partner loses job

Find out what benefi ts they could be eligible for, and tips on coping fi nancially while they

are jobhunting.

M A N A G I N G C R I S E S

The fi rst step to solving a problem is to admit that you’ve got one, whether

it’s debt problems, illness, injury or bereavement.

Thomas, 18‘ T H E N O V I C E ’

Thomas has just joined the Army. He left school at 16 but has never lived away from home before and he’s single.

Rachel, 43‘ T H E S T R E S S E D

S P O U S E ’Rachel’s husband is in the Army. He is on deployment and she has recently been made redundant. They have three children.

Phil, 21‘ T H E B I G S P E N D E R ’

Money burns a hole in Navy engineer Phil’s pocket but he doesn’t spend it wisely and his debts are mounting up. He’d love to buy a new car he’s had his eye on.

Andrew, 32‘ T H E

O V E R W H E L M E D’

from his wife. They have two children. He’s not sure where he’s going to live now and he’s got into debt.

DeploymentHow to get your fi nances in order

before you leave, and what facilities you can expect once you get

out there.

YO U R C A R E E REverything you need to

know about your pay and living arrangements

if you’re a new recruit, posted abroad, going on deployment or leaving

Service.

Before you joinWhat can you expect

to earn and where will you live? What do you have to pay

for and what will your employer provide?

23

CROSSH

EAD

Useful tools on the site

Talk about itThe dos and don’ts of making fi nancial decisions with your

partner.

ChildrenFind out about the state benefi ts and

other allowances you might be entitled to.

Divorce and separation

Here’s where you’ll fi nd advice on getting

period.

SpendSpending money on large purchases such as a car or home is a

big commitment. And big spending needs

big planning.

PlanTips on taking control

of your fi nances, including getting the

right bank account for you and planning for

the future.

BorrowFind out how to check

and improve your credit rating, how to

costly lenders.

M A N A G I N G M O N E Y

A section devotedto getting you

MoneyFit. Here you will fi nd straight-talking information to help

Scan the QR code (left) with your smartphone to go directly to the site www.moneyforce.org.uk

Car costscalculator

This simple and clear calculator helps you think about the total weekly, monthly and

yearly cost of running a car so you can make

Credit cardcalculatorRepaying the

minimum amount each month can

cost you thousands of pounds. Use this

calculator to see how much you can save and plan how you

can reduce your debt to get your fi nances

Budgetplanner

A budget is the fi rst step to taking control of your money and

your life. This planner is easy to use and not at all overwhelming – so fi nd out how much you really spend every month, and how much

L I F E A N D F A M I LY

Preparing you for life’s ups and downs. This

section will help you to prepare for life-changing

events such as being posted abroad and

having children.

G E T H E L P N O WIf the problems have mounted up and you

need help urgently, this section will point you to

trustworthy and impartial organisations.

Legion_LEGION_April-May_2013_merge.pdf 1 14/05/2013 11:51:08

September 2013

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WW1 CENTENARY NEWS FROM HAIG HOUSEMany of you will already be aware of an idea to distribute poppy seeds incommunities across the UK to plant during the centenary period. This excellentproposal has been developed by members of the Greenhithe and SwanscombeBranch and we’re pleased to say the project will be rolled out nationally with thecharity’s full backing.We are in final discussions with a major retailer in regards to the distribution ofthepoppy seeds and Iwouldbegrateful if youcould informyourBranches to awaitmy next update, by the end of August, which will include guidance on how tosupport this project in their communities before progressing any plans they mayhave further.I would like to thank the members of the Greenhithe and Swanscombe Branch forthe enormous amount of work they have already put into this project, and I lookforward to working with all of you to make it a huge success.

Mariëlle PostillHead of Membership

SPORTING SUCCESS FOR St SILAS RBL

The Legionaires Skittle Team, St.Silas RBL2012-13 League ChampionsBristol Motor Traders League

September 2013

12

ILMINSTER BRANCH'S DIAMOND JUBILEE OAK TREE

Members of Ilminster Branch gathered on the Recreation Ground on Thursday

18th July to take a look at the growing oak, now in leaf, which they had planted

to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in February.

Branch Chairman, John

Goodall, and Branch

member Tony Davis,

planted the oak on February

7th, with the assistance of the

opens spaces warden

Andrew Hensher.

For Branch President Frank

Gale it was a particularly

special moment, as back in

1935, as a young lad, he had

planted the splendid copper

beech that is in thechildren’s

play area. He was given sixpence for his troubles and allowed to keep the spade.

The planting then was to commemorate King George V’s Silver Jubilee.

In March 2012 the Ilminster Town Council wrote to the Branch inviting them to

purchase a tree as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The Branch

was keen to support the request andmembers subscribed to purchase a seven-foot

Lucombe Oak. The tree is unusual in the fact that it keeps its leaves over winter.

The invitation by the Town Council to local groups was part of the Jubilee Woods

Project, launched by the Woodlands Trust in February 2011.John Goodall

Chairman, RBL Ilminster

Brent Knoll RBL Presents aD-Day Darlings Concert

at 7:30 pm on Saturday 9th Novemberin Saint Michaels Church, Brent Knoll

Tickets £8.00Obtainable from Brent Knoll Post Office 01278 760 225

or Box Office 0845 224 9164

September 2013

13

UPDATE FROM DUNKIRK MEMORIAL HOUSEWith Pathway For Growth steaming ahead, as unstoppable as a juggernaut, andafter consultation anddeliberation, theCountyChairmanandCommitteedecidedthat County Office should move from Bridgwater to Dunkirk Memorial House inBishops Lydeard. At this point, we should explain that although we looked atother RBL sites, none really fitted our needs or expected usage.

The Chairman had a very workable date of July 1st to have the office and storageroom up and running at DMH, but the situation conspired against us and wecurrently have use of a computer and just a single phoneline - no answerphonethough!

For those of you who haven’t yet visited, please come and see us. We have alovely view over the meadow at the back of the main house, and often see thesmoke from thenumerous steam trains as theypuff andpant along the line towardsMinehead.

Our contact details are: -

County Chairman / County Secretary / County TreasurerThe Royal British Legion - SomersetDunkirk Memorial HouseBishops LydeardTauntonTA4 3BT

Tel : 01823 431262 David BrixeyCounty Secretary

September 2013

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DUNDRY WOMEN'S SECTION LAY UP THEIR STANDARDAfter 39 years Dundry RBLWomen's Section laid uptheir Standard on the 16th

June 2013.

The Rev. Charles Robertsofficiated at the ceremony.Sheila Plummer carried theStandard, escorted by PhyllisHobbs,MaryOgborne andex-chairman Mavis Walsh.

CONGRESBURY PROMOTES THEIR BRANCH AND THE RBLAt a recentmeeting, Congresburymembers decided to promote theBranch, andhopefully attract recruits, by setting up a stall in the local shopping precinct.County Secretary Dave Brixey, readily agreed to support the venture and offereda variety of display materials – plus himself if needed! The intention was as stated– to promote the Branch and RBL, raising community awareness of our work,without trying to sell anything or make any other demands on people’s pockets.

The stall was duly set up at 08.00 one Saturday in July and within minutes,attracted attention. Branch Chairman Ben White, ably assisted by BranchTreasurer Christine Davis, said that over the five hour session they didn’t at anytime get bored. Quite the reverse, as there were several very positive enquiriesand a total of £53.61 donated. Interestingly, one woman came up to chat, tellingus that her son – a Grenadier Guardsman – had been to Afghanistan three times.Shehadmentioned tohim that she felt sheought todo something andwas thinkingof Help for Heroes. He told her not to do that, but go to us as the RBL provideslong-term support to all armed forces members and ex-members, not just shortterm to injured personnel.

A worthwhile venture which will be repeated.

September 2013

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Theglobal population is aging. Morepeople are living for longer thanat any timein the history of the civilized world. In the United Kingdom at the present timethe proportion of older adults (aged 60-years & over) in our community is about1-in-5 (20%). As the population continues to grow older in the future, it isestimated that this statistic will increase to 1-in-4 (25%) by 2030.

Sadly, an aging population means that criminals who specialise in targeting thevulnerable are also on the increase. Bogus callers (distraction burglars) and roguetraders are criminals who use the vulnerabilities of our elder citizens to deceiveand steal.

The Senior Citizen Liaison Team (SCLT) came into existence in December 2009in the City of Bristol, with the intention of helping the older adult population feelsafer in their daily lives through three primary objectives: Crime Prevention ~Victim Support ~ Social Advocacy. The SCLT is made up of a team of volunteerswho give presentations to community groups and organisations, as well as sittingat board-level on a number of social advocacy forums and organisations that workto support the older adult population. The SCLT also produce and distribute theaward-winning "Senior Siren" magazine, which is made available to hundreds ofthousands of readers on a bi-monthly basis. An online copy can be found athttp://www.sclt.us/#/senior-siren-editions/4573598653

The SCLT became a registered UK charity in 2012 (No: 1148383) and hasexpanded to provide a variety of its services to clients and agencies nationwide,as well as offering training and advocacy on services on an international level.

The SCLT can be contacted at: -

Burnham on Sea Police Station, Burnham Road, Burnham on Sea, TA8 1LS

Tel: 07879 116009 or via its website at http://www.sclt.us

SOMERSET COUNTY & BRISTOL

EVENTS DIARY – 2013

RBL Somerset County & Bristol NewsletterMaterial for publication should be sent, by email, to the Editor, David Brixey at County

Office:- dbrixey@britishlegion.org.uk to arrive by the 20th of the preceding month.All articles must be attributable – anonymous articles will not be published.

Please send text as an attached Word document or within the body of the email. Sendimages as attached .jpg or .png files. Do not resize them or include them within a text file.

County reserves the right to edit, amend, defer or omit articles as necessary.The current edition of the Newsletter, together with an archive of previous editions, can

be found on-line at http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/somerset/news-events

OctoberSaturday 5th County Standard Bearers' Competition

At 10:00 hrs in Highbridge Community Hall

Friday 25th Wellingon Branch Poppy Appeal Gala ConcertAt 7:30 pm in the Great Hall, Wellington School

NovemberSaturday 9th Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall

Saturday 9th Brent Knoll Branch D-Day Darlings ConcertSee page 12 for details

.... and Finally ...Wehad apower cut the other day andmyPC, TVand games console all shutdown, so I had to talk to my family for a couple of hours - they seem like nicepeople.